Niels Jørgensen

Played around with photoshop a bit trying to decide how much to change when/if I repaint the car this spring...

I think I'm getting close but would like some second opinions. I'm esp. interrested in knowing if it will, in fact, look anything like this when the side skirts are removed?

(And no comments on the photchopping, didn't spend a lot of time fiddling with details, just trying to get an idea )

hacker-pschorr

If you are going through the trouble of dropping the side molding - loose the side marker light with it.

tdelarm

I don't have a problem with side-mouldings but I guess some here feel it looks cleaner. If it needed new paint, I would probably do away with the moulding but I personally wouldn't mess with a nice paint job.

Just my 2-cents.

Niels Jørgensen

Good point... Though I'm not sure that's legal around here? (I was thinking of replacing it with something LED based - possibly keeping it flat enough that it would fit entirely inside the resess and be flush with the body)...

Never heard of an orange LED though, which might be a problem

Niels Jørgensen

I don't have a major problem with the moulding either, except that it makes washing and waxing more complicated.

The real problem is that it is no longer a nice paint job.

It has corrosion on the front right fender and little on the door, lots of stone chips, swirl marks and scratches. The clear coat is peeling in places. The molding is coming off on the left side due to rust (the clip is all rusty). Also, both fenders, and front and back have been repainted and the colors no longer match properly.

I'm guessing that the cost of removing the molding is no larger than the cost of new molding+paint+clips. The clean look has really grown on me and if it's a no-cost option, well, why not?

hacker-pschorr

I doubt it will be a "no option cost" but shouldn't add very much. Your body guy needs to be good at aluminum welding to fill the holes in the fender left by the moulding.

bcdavis

Re: Marker light LEDs...



http://www.customdynamics.com/flex_led_array.htm

BC

I like exactly what you have done! Awesome!

Careful. The lower molding on the S4, unfortunatley, masks an area that is not the same as the early cars. It is not smooth.

Maybe ask H to take a pic if he sees this, but the lower portion at the back of the S4 fender is not smooth. There is an indent that is not supposed to be seen. You would have to bang that out and fill it.

Edit: It may be at the back fender.

BC

If it is done properly and sealed properly, it can be done with good fiberglass and water resistant filler. The back sealing is important.

Peter F

Hi Nils,

I think it looks very clean and nice, I would keep the side markers.

/Peter

fabric

Well, I used to think the lower cladding was an improvement, but now I'm not so sure. That looks good.

I've also decided that the Euro placement of the side markers is much better, as the area in front of the front wheel is less cluttered. Maybe if I ever get a full paint job I'll just get them filled in on the US spec and get rid of them altogether. I can't remember, do these flash with the turn signals, or are they just running lights?

Nicole

The clear turn signal and side flasher lineses are easy... Removing the lower molding might not look so hot in real life, though, because then your bumpers will go lower than the body, and you lose that slightly curved effect these moldings bring. Also, the car will appear to ride higher, visually. Lastly you will lose one of the elements for aerodynamic improvement on the S4. Not sure how much would be the difference, though.

But if you get it repainted, yes, get rid of those side moldings. They are so 80ies...

tdelarm

O'h ****, I didn't notice he removed the lower moulding...thought something looked off. I'd keep those for sure.

That being the case, I'd vote: OFF WITH THY MOULDING

chaadster

Niels,

Excellent work on Photoshop! Like you, I've admired the clean rocker panels on the pre-S4 cars, and think it would look excellent on the S4 if do-able, however, it sounds like there's quite a bit of work involved in getting the same, smooth look.

Nix the rub strips, keep the side markers, they're a visibility issue.

Niels Jørgensen

Thx for all the input...

Hacker: I've not looked into prices, I'm just guessing I'll need to find a good bodyshop in the southern parts of sweden.

bcdavis: Cool link - I obviously need to look a bit closer on amber LEDs I'll see if I can find something that'll fit flush with the fender - if that's a no-go, clear lenses is the obvious route.

Brendan: Thanks for the heads up - I have a photoshop mockup that leaves the lower plastic parts in place, will post tonight. I guess it'll need to be removed for painting regardless, so I'll decide then. I prefer welding the holes, even if it's a bit more expensive - had som bad experience with a door on a previous car.

Peter: Thanks, do you recognise the wheels? I "stole" them off of your car

fabric: They're turn signals.

Nicole: That was my primary concern too (making the car look further off the ground). I'm afraid my photchop hides this as it doesn't really remove the skirts, but simply smooth out the transition from the door to the panel.

Chaad: I Agree, see above...